Let's start off by saying that I am a huge S&W fan. I hear more and more daily about how stellar S&W's customer service is, which is a HUGE selling point I think to any firearm enthusiast! Their product quality goes without saying =]

I guess what I wanted to ask, just for discussion sake, is why S&W over let's say, Glock, Springfield, Sig Sauer, Walther, and any others. Just want to hear your guys' personal opinions and thoughts on the subject. Many of you may own other firearms as well as S&W, all are welcome =]

Let the discussions commence...

I've owned a lot of handguns...that's not to say I own a lot at any one time. I trade a lot, and I've owned quite a few models from most of the name brand manufacturers. Of the polymer pistols, the M&P pistols fit my hand better than the others...I have small hands, and the back strap options make them adjustable to a good fit for me. M&P pistols are very reliable, and S&W has great service plus a lifetime warranty...all in all, the M&Ps are, for me, the best choice in a polymer pistol, so I have a M&P 45c and a 9c. I also like the SD9...it feels very good in my hand as well. I read that it is being discontinued.

S&W 1911s are very good as well. The only issue is that for some purists, the external extractor is a negative. I have had several, but none right now.

Unfortunately, S&W doesn't produce metal-framed semi-automatics any more (other than the 1911s) which is a real shame. For a metal frame pistol, I have a Beretta M9 and a SIG P239.

I remain disappointed that S&W continues to put the ILS on their revolvers...I won't buy one with it. I did recently buy a new 642 without the lock. I wish S&W would offer the option (with or without ILS) on all revolvers. As it is now, Ruger is the only new revolver I will buy (other than the few S&W models that you can get without the lock.)

Would love to have a M&P series but the opportunity hasn't presented itself. I typically buy my weapons used as my buddies can't seem to commit to one over the other.

Ergonomics. Especiallly for those of us that never quite made friends with the Glock "Luger" grip angle.

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Science plus Art

I agree with ergonomics and I shoot the M&P 9 better than a G19. I do not like the feel of the full size Glocks.

The ergonomics of my 9c far outweigh my Glock, especially w/my big hands.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

My first M&P was the 9c and I got it because it was the first compact/subcompact in that size that it didn't feel i had to compromise my grip of the gun, holding a 2 finger grip. The rest of the grip supported it self so much better then others I tried, that the first time I grabbed it, I said this is the one I'm gonna get.

Why M&P...?

Hey gang, new to the forum, and as such, this is my first post.

I have yet to actually fire my MP9, as I am still waiting for all the paperwork to come through...that's the Canadian gov't for ya, but I can tell you why I chose S&W.

I knew I wanted a 9mm, and with that info I went searching. I handled alot of different 9's, and all had their good and bad points, and being new to 9mm I wasn't searching for any particular name (Glock anyone?) I tried to like the Sig 226, but it felt to 'fat', a Glock wasn't 'right', same with CZ, Beretta, H&K came close, and I wish I could of found a FNP-9, but, I didn't. I was about to leave the store and the counter guy said something to the effect of "we have a S&W kit"...and that got me interested. He brought out the Range and Carry Kit...so it had everything I needed at a good price. So I picked it up...yup, this is the one. It felt 'right'. My hands weren't stretched or forced in any way...kinda like putting on your old work boots, or your old faded Levi's...it felt natural.

So, long story short, I bought mine for fit and feel, and the value for dollar, which is amazing. Hopefully I will be out at the range within 2 weeks...then we'll see how it really feels.

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Thanks...Mark

I ordered the M&P in 9 because I have a ton of 9mm ammo, and that is what I reload. I like the M&P because it fits my hand so well and the positive reviews on it.

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Endeavor to persevere. <><

Hey great reply Mark, and thanks for making my thread your first post =] I enjoy Canada, my band played in Montreal a few times.

Sounds like you made a wise choice and wasn't too hasty in your decision making.

I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that we look forward to hearing about some of your shooting experience and maybe some uploaded photos =]

Take care my friend...

That's why I will be getting mine in 9, to reload 9 and how abundant the 9mm ammo is. And most likely always will be.

I'd have to agree with ya, I'm not to gung ho about Glocks' ergonomics either.

My primary reason was ergonomics. Went to a gun show and handled a bunch of guns (both full size and compacts) from many different companies. The M&P 9c/40c felt way better than any other. Then I rented a bunch of different guns at my local range. M&Ppc felt the best. And that was my initial purchase... plus, 9mm really is the minimum caliber for defense and my wife shoots the 9mm well too.

The M&P9 is really an optimal service pistol. Sufficient power to perform the intended task and superior control of the weapon. It's the only box-stock firearm I own.

We issue the M&P40 and I've had the benefit of watching a large number of folks use the piece over 5 years. No problems, average scores are up over the previous TDA pistol.

Snide comment: all the available sights are steel, not plastic.

My first polimer pistol was the Sig P250. It is a modular design and VERY easy to breakdown and service. It is also easy to change calibers. Mine came with .40 and .357 sig. I could switch between the two in less than 3 minutes. Switching to 9mm was even faster as it required a different slide. Like the M&P, the P250 is a very comfortable gun to hold and shoot. The only problem is the foot long 50lb trigger pull, OK that was an exageration. but the action on the SIG is long and hard and there are no alternatives other than a more concave "short" trigger (which only took 10 minutes and no special tolls to change) SIG customer service was awsome. I had a bad magazine and they sent a new one no questions asked. I even asked them to change it from a .40 to a 9mm magazine and they did without a hassle.

All that said, I could not get around the trigger on SIG. I tried the Glock and I can not stand the trigger on it either. When I fired the M&P, I knew I had found "the one". I love the feel of the M&P and the trigger is nice and smooth. I have heard and read people complain about the "gritty" pull of the M&P. I now have M&P40 and a M&P40c and both have nice smooth pulls around 4-5 lbs. I can't say anything about SW customer service as I have not had any reason to contact them.

Smith & Wesson use to dominate the LE market in this country until Glock came along. Glock virtually gave their pistols away to departments and marketed their pistols very well. S&W had nothing to compete with initially until they marketed the Sigma, but by then Glock had the bulk of the LE market sewn up. They simply had to design a better pistol to compete with Glock, this pistol was and is the M&P series. They did their homework right and came out with many of us here consider to be a superior design. Now the competition is even stiffer with many companys producing good polymer framed pistols. What makes the M&Ps better in my mind are.
1. Great ergonomics as the interchangeable backstraps make the pistol comfortable to a wide variety of users.
2. A stainless subframe making the design stronger than the Glock.
3. Customer service second to none.
Smith is slowly gaining back market share even in the face of stiff competition.
I've owned several Glocks in the past but they are all gone now, replaced by M&Ps. Although I will admit to having a fondness for Berettas' PX4 design also. I recommend you try as many different brands and see what feels best for you. There are a lot of good pistols out there but I don't think any are superior to the M&P line right now.

My reasons for going with the M&P over the myriad of contenders in the field.

1) Superior ergonomics
2) Quality of design and materials
3) Competitive pricing
4) Great customer service reputation.
5) Manufactured and serviced here in the USA

Some of the others come very close but IMO none hit the mark on every one of the above factors like the S&W M&P.

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Life Member B.A.S.S., NAFC

Ergonomics, best CS, and made in USA are all good reasons. But my #1 reason was that I simply shoot it better than my Glocks.
The M&P comes up to a natural POA for me, where as the Glock shoots high. It's the grip angle. I can shoot the M&P faster and more accurately than any other.

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Proud USAF Dad

I bought my first M&P(45) for all of the reasons stated on previous posts. When it performed flawlessly from day one I bought another one(9c). When that one was perfect I bought another(40), and another (22), and another (40c). And of course, all have performed without incident and through 1000's of rounds..........flawlessly.

My buddy has one. I am much more a revolver guy. I have a few autos but mostly wheel guns. So my buddy picked one up and let me shoot it. I am being totally honest when I say I could not miss with that thing. I can group well with most anything I'm shooting, but the M&P is exceptional. It is incredibly well built, and handsome to boot! I will be getting one!

Ergonomics.

Good to hear guys! Thanks sooooo much. I'm more sold then I ever was! I was a HUGE Sig Sauer fan for the longest time. But all I'm hearing is how horrible their CS is. I will one day own a 226, but it won't be the next one I buy.

I've heard nothing but good things about S&W! And that goes a long way. Especially when you need parts or service.

M&P 9mm FS was my first purchase. great gun by far better than block. i will never own a block after shooting an M&P

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HOOCH

Haha, you said block. LIKE!!!!!

I like the M&P line because I can get them with a thumb safety and upgrading the trigger is inexpensive. I like the 9mm because I can shoot that caliber well, follow up shots are quick, and factory ammo is easy to find and will not completely break the bank.

Been shooting pistol for a lot of years. Other than the 1911 type no LE agencies issue a 1911 for dept. issue. The Smiths simply feel better in the hand than Glock,Sig,or H&K. The M&P is superb in accuracy and feel,very reliable. Even the Sigma series fits my hand like a glove and just as accurate as the competition. Nothing wrong w/ the aboved mention pistols.They are fine, but I chose the S&W and have never regretted it!

My M&P 9mm FS is my first gun and like many of the other forum responders it fits my hand best and I shot it best when compared to the Glock 19/17 and others.

I'm also left handed and while the Gen 4 Glock and most others now have reversable mag releases, very few have a slide lock release on the right side for us to use.

Also S&W did some research when designing the M&P series and made some improvement over other striker fired designs. There are some interesting internal engineering enhancements to the M&P series. One example is that the striker itself has a grooved teflon sleeve around it to prevent the air pumping lock that can happen to a Glock.

Ergonomics - even better than the Walther P99 and far superior to my beloved all-steel guns.

Customer service - S&W appears to have the best CS in the industry.

Function - this is a purely personal observation, but for me the recoil cycle of the M&P9 naturally brings the sights back on target, which allows me to accurately empty a magazine on target quicker than with any other gun.

I have spent roughly two hours with my brand new M&P9 and sadly say that my unflagging allegiance to my 3rd en 3913 has indeed flagged. What a firearm this M&P is. If I had the Cadillac of Smith autos before, I have the Rolls Royce now. I have never shot an auto that felt like it was custom fit to my hand as much as the M&P is. Just plain wow. I have a new best friend now. Because of all the positive posts here I ordered a CrossBreed Super Tuck before I picked up the gun. Glad I did, because this gun isn't going anywhere. Smith hit it out of the park on this one. And this is a wheel gun fan talking here! I guess a Smith is Smith, round or flat.

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Endeavor to persevere. <><

What holsters are you guys using for the 9mm compact?

"I guess what I wanted to ask, just for discussion sake, is why S&W over let's say, Glock, Springfield, Sig Sauer, Walther?"

I'll run it down for you:

1. M&P has better egros (for me) than the Glock.
2. M&P cost less than all of the others.
3. M&P fits my hand better than all the others except for Walther, but that mag release on my Gen 1 P99 turned me off.
4. M&P was highly recommended by everyone I knew that owned one.
5. Each of the above has had "teething" issues, but M&P had the least and fixed them the fastest.
6. Just as many aftermarket goodies as Glock.
7. Purpose of Use. Its a duty gun and my CCW. Since it bears very similar size characterisics to my 1911 Commander but without the weight.
8. To your question about why .9mm? Why not? Its been doing the job for over 100 years and the M&P gives me 17+1 to do it. Oh, and I have the .45 too.
9. Warranty (haven't needed it) and CUSTOMER SERVICE.
10. MADE IN THE USA!

Haha, YES! I was sold from all the previous posts, but you just resold me =]

I'm now just impatiently waiting for the ol' tax return to get back and then it's purchase time =]

Thanks for your input.

Crossbreed Supertuck!

Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk

My wife, Luscious, lost most of the ring finger on her right (shooting) hand in a childhood push-mower accident. When she started looking at a CC gun, it became obvious she was going to need a magazine with a pinkie extension or else she would only have one finger on the grip.

She wanted to be a Glock Girl sooo bad but when she tried the G26 "Baby Glock" the magazine jumped with each shot, consistently pinching the webbing in her hand.
The salesman put an M&P 9C in her hand and she never looked back.

It was ergonomics for me also. The M&P fit my hand better, and the larger beavertail prevents the dreaded Glock "slide bite".
I now own 3 M&Ps after selling off the last of the Glocks, and they all shoot great groups. The M&P9 FS is my EDC now.

That's it for me-the Glock never felt right but the M&P feels GREAT in my hands with the small backstrap.

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Forum consigliere

I'll add "lowest felt recoil of any compact 9 I've erver owned" and " Apex drop in sear's make a good gun into a great gun".

FWIW, I own a Glock 26 as well. Of all the glocks, this seems to be the only one that fits my (medium) hand well. It's nice enough but I love the 9C.

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Dave

Howdy all, I've never owned my own gun, as I've only used my uncles shotguns, and bow, that was never mine. Well I moved from jersey to Florida, and am now in the middle of going to do my armed security license, and my father in laws friend had bought the s&w m&p9c online paid for it brought it home, and realized he didnt like the feel of it, so he offered me the deal of a lifetime, I bought it of him, I bought the 9mm compact, 24 fmj rounds, 24 hollow points, 750 rounds of ****ty Walmart ammo, and a out of the pants holster. All that for only 600 bucks, oh yeah and an army ammo can with the seal for my 9mm ammo

For got to add, I fired 150 rounds out of it with the ****** Walmart ammo, with only 2 jams but didn't jam with federal ammo

As shocking as this post may be, it is outrageous that I should need to do a trigger job on a firearm.

I bought an M&P Pro 9mm full size a year ago, I liked it, still shoot but…

It shoots low…
Gritty trigger…
Reset feel sucks…

I spend way more time shooting 1911’s because of trigger feel, and SIG still smokes the striker fire on trigger feel. IMHO of course

Yea man, I;m a huge Sig fan as well as S&W, just as of right now, Sig is not in my budget. But I mean, if you don't like the trigger, put one in.

I just shot my m&p9c at the range today and i have to say i agree with most of the posters. I like the way it fits my hand, the accuracy and the soft felt recoil. It has been 100% reliable and i personally think the trigger is great. It and my cz75b are my two favorite pistols to shoot. My favorite revolver is my smith 686.

Congrats =] I havent had a chance to shoot an S&W compact yet. I just had a baby so I havent had time to really do much lol.

However, I plan on doing so soon. As soon as my tax return gets here, I'll be purchasing a M&P 9mm...stoked as all hell for this even to happen. It's been awhile since I've gone out and shot weapons.

I got my first M&P9 in a trade for a Taurus pt92. Straight across. Couldn't pass up the oppurtunity to try out the M&P series. Since then I have the full size M&P9, M&P9c, and M&P 22. Love these pistols. I've owned Glock, Beretta, Taurus, Springfield and none of them are better IMO than the M&P series.

I bought my new M&P9 last week after a long examination of what USA made pistols were available. I was looking for a 45 because I already have one and I dont want to have to buy another caliber of ammo. Well eventually I decided on a 9mm because of the high capacity that might go away some day again. I went to the store to get a XD when I noticed it was made in Croatia? Oh well Im a S&W man any way Ill take the M&P9. Very happy with the fit and finish but I have not fired it. I have bought 1250 rounds of ammo for it but the full size is too big to carry so I will store it for a while and in the next 2 weeks or so Im going to buy a Walther PPS or a LC9. I own S&W stock, so I always go to them first.
web size.JPG

I really like my Glock 23 but I like having a manual safety on my pistols. Old fashioned I know but that is my preference. My Smith M&P 9 came with a thumb safety that was quick to disengauge and some other features that I really liked such as a loaded chamber indicator, fully supported barrel, blackened stainless slide, and good sights.

The 9c is the best fit for my hands. I love my Sig 226's but I carry the M and P.

Yea, Sig's are nice guns, as are S&W's. Thanks for the post =]

Glocks are great guns to shoot, but when I got my M&P, I realized they could be better.